What to Know About This Year's Flu Season

Flu season in the Southern Hemisphere often indicates what’s to come in the United States. Data revealed higher hospitalizations during the 2025 flu season in the Southern Hemisphere. With the potential for this year’s flu season to be severe in the United States, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the flu, especially severe disease and hospitalization.

How to Stay Healthy

The flu can cause serious complications for people of any age, but children and older adults are especially vulnerable. To help keep your household healthy this flu season, consider these tips:

• Get vaccinated. The CDC recommends that nearly everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu shot every year.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay away from others when you feel unwell. Flu, cold and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, so doctors say it’s best to get tested to determine which illness you have.
• Wash your hands often using soap and warm water. If those are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to boost your immune system.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen your body and make it more resilient against infections.
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.

Experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu by the end of October, so don’t delay getting your shot. Contact your doctor today to learn more.